Intelligent network access control

ABSTRACT

A wireless communications system includes a radiofrequency (RF) front end and a computing platform. The RF front end includes a base station, an amplifier connected to the base station, an RF distribution device connected to the amplifier, and one or more antennas connected to the RF distribution devices. The computing platform includes a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium storing a program of machine instructions and a processor. The processor executes the machine instructions to control the RF front end to receive from the RF front end, location updates from wireless devices, determine a wireless access technology of each wireless device, lock each wireless device to the system, determine an access category of each wireless device, release first category wireless devices from the system lock, and maintain the system lock for second category wireless devices.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a division of, and claims priority to, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/650,933, filed Jul. 16, 2017, entitled“Intelligent Network Access Control,” now U.S. Pat. No. 10,063,566 whichis a division of, and claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser.No. 15/094,648, filed Apr. 8, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,712,539,entitled “Intelligent Network Access Control,” which is a division ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/973,244, filed Aug. 22, 2013, nowU.S. Pat. No. 9,313,639, entitled “System for Controlling WirelessDevices Access and Method,” which is a division of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/507,676, filed Jul. 19, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No.8,825,011, entitled “Intelligent Network Access Control,” which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/585,362,filed Sep. 14, 2009, now U.S. Pat No. 8,254,886, entitled “IntelligentNetwork Access Controller and Method,” which is a continuation-in-partof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/318,020, filed Dec. 19, 2008, nowU.S. Pat. No. 8,437,741, entitled “Intelligent Network Access Controllerand Method.” The above-referenced patents and patent applications areincorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field is wireless communications.

BACKGROUND

A key performance indicator of any wireless network is its coverage. Inaddition to providing an evolving set of features to customers, the mostsuccessful wireless networks are those that provide ubiquitous coverageand service to as broad a base of subscribers as possible. Because ofthe emphasis on coverage, these same networks seldom, if ever, providemethods of restricted or controlled access for targeted areas in thenetwork. However, with heightened security concerns, and for otherreasons, targeted wireless access restriction may be an importantconsideration, especially in a localized area, and/or for specific timeperiods.

SUMMARY

An intelligent network access controller (INAC) creates a local wirelessnetwork and dynamically controls access by wireless devices to a macrowireless network underlying the local wireless network. The INACincludes means for registering the wireless devices, wherein the devicesare identified and classified, and wherein the devices comprise one ofallowed, restricted, and unknown; means for dynamically determiningcharacteristic values of the devices; means for granting access by thedevices to the macro network based on the dynamically determinedcharacteristics of the devices; and means for locking devices to thelocal wireless network based on the dynamically determinedcharacteristics.

A method for controlling access by wireless devices to a macro wirelessnetwork comprises the steps of establishing a local wireless networkhaving a determined radio frequency (RF) coverage area as an overlay tothe macro wireless network; detecting when the devices enter the RFcoverage area of the local wireless network; dynamically determining oneor more characteristics of the devices and one or more characteristicsof the RF coverage area; and based on the dynamically determinedcharacteristics, either locking the devices to the local wirelessnetwork, or passing the devices to the macro wireless network.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description will refer to the following figures in whichlike numerals refer to like items, and in which:

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a wireless network incorporating anexemplary intelligent network access controller;

FIG. 1B is a more detailed block diagram of the exemplary intelligentnetwork access controller of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary interface for enabling wireless accessrestrictions using the controller of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary interface for enabling emergency access;

FIG. 4 illustrates a specific implementation of the controller of FIG.1B;

FIG. 5 illustrates a single technology implementation of the controllerof FIG. 1B;

FIG. 6 illustrates a multiple technology implementation of thecontroller of FIG. 1B;

FIGS. 7A-7D are flowcharts illustrating example methods for intelligentnetwork access control; and

FIGS. 8A-8F are flowcharts illustrating additional example methods forintelligent network access control.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A key performance indicator of any wireless network is its coverage. Themost successful wireless networks are those that have ever-expandingcoverage, independent of time, to provide ubiquitous service to any andall subscribers and roaming users. Because of the emphasis on coverage,these same networks seldom, if ever, operate so as to restrict access.However, with heightened security concerns, and for other reasons,wireless access restriction may be an important consideration,especially in a localized area, and/or for specific time periods.

Current systems that impose some type of wireless access restrictionfunction may employ jamming equipment to block wireless signals in aparticular area. Other systems rely on shutdown of a cell or sector.These current wireless access restriction solutions do not discriminateamong users. Instead, these solutions impose a total prohibition onwireless communications. Furthermore, these current solutions arecomplicated and expensive to invoke. Finally, with these currentsolutions, if a situation requires that certain personnel (e.g.,emergency response personnel) be able to communicate using wirelesscommunications, a secondary communications network must be establishedsince jamming or cell shutdown prohibits all wireless communications fora given wireless technology.

One challenge in trying to restrict wireless access is that in mostcases jamming works across a spectrum of radio frequencies and jams theuse of the entire frequency spectrum regardless of the wirelesstechnology or technologies deployed in the spectrum. Thus, for jammingto be effective and efficient, a localized communications network mustbe established with its own technology, unique devices, and spectrum,further complicating the jamming setup and operations.

Another challenge is that in most areas covered by wirelesscommunications there are typically multiple technologies operating in avariety of spectrum ranges. Jamming solutions and cell shutdown areabsolute solutions that do not provide the ability to select on a deviceby device basis the ability to use the wireless communication within thetarget area.

To overcome limitations with current art wireless communication accessrestriction solutions, disclosed herein is an intelligent network accesscontroller, an example of which is shown in FIG. 1B, and accompanyingmethods, examples of which are shown in flowchart form in FIGS. 7A-8F,that either permanently or temporarily limits allowable communicationson an existing wireless macro network or wireless macro networks to onlya subset of that network's normal users. Those users not in the subsetof allowable users are blocked from access to the wireless macro networkwhen located in a specified area normally covered by the network and/orfor a specified time.

The herein disclosed intelligent network access controller, and enabledmethods, may direct or attract wireless devices to a coverage areaassociated with a local wireless network established by the controller.The intelligent network access controller also may redirect wirelessdevices from an underlying wireless macro network to a local wirelessnetwork or may redirect wireless devices from the local wireless networkto the underlying wireless macro network.

The intelligent network access controller provides, on a singleplatform, the necessary components for an end-to-end solution forselective communications restriction across the spectrum of wirelesstechnology, frequency, and access methodology. In an embodiment,wireless users are classified into categories and either allowed toaccess the wireless networks or are prohibited access, on asubscriber-by-subscriber basis. The intelligent network accesscontroller meets the criteria of service restriction that may berequired in specific areas, while allowing selected individuals wirelesscommunications access to wireless networks in those same areas. Thus,the intelligent network access controller eliminates the need to overlayadditional communications systems to provide targeted localized wirelesscommunications. The intelligent network access controller implements itsservice across both commercial as well as private wireless networks.

The intelligent network access controller is particularly useful incertain permanent facilities such as embassies, government facilities,prisons, military installations, stadiums and arenas, hospitals, publictransportation facilities, landmarks, and in temporary applicationsincluding disaster recovery operations and homeland security operations.In short, the intelligent network access controller can be used in anysituation or at any facility or locale to establish a controlledwireless communications environment whereby only selected individualscan access a wireless communications network.

The intelligent network access controller can control a number ofdifferent wireless technologies that are in use in the radiofrequencyspectrum, including: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM),General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Code Division Multiple Access(CDMA), Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO), Enhanced Data Rates for GSMEvolution (EDGE), CDMA 2000 1×RTT (one times Radio TransmissionTechnology), 3GSM, High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), Digital EnhancedCordless Telecommunications (DECT), Digital AMPS (IS-136/TDMA), andIntegrated Digital Enhanced Network (iDEN). Other wireless technologiescan be expected, including fourth generation (4G) technologies. Firstgeneration (1G) wireless devices were constrained to operate accordingto the analog APMS technology. Second generation (2G) wireless devicestypically operate according to one of GSM, GPRS, EDGE and technologies.Third generation (3G) wireless devices typically employ one of UMTS,WCDMA, HSPA, HSPA+ and EVDO technologies. However, 3G wireless devicesalso may be able to operate according to a corresponding 2G technology.For example, a 3G UMTS technology wireless device may be capable ofoperating according to 2G GSM technology. Fourth generation (4G) devicesare being developed and deployed, including 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE)and 4G WiMAX.

As used herein, a “device” or “wireless device” may be any wirelessaccess mechanism including wireless handheld devices used forcommunications such as mobile phones, “smart phones”, personal digitalassistants, and tablets; laptop computers; or other computing devicesthat include wireless access technology.

As used herein, a “wireless network” includes a network that providescommercial or private wireless access for voice, text, and or dataaccess. A wireless macro network may employ any number or type ofwireless technologies and generally will be a commercial (i.e.,publicly-available) wireless network. The intelligent network accesscontroller establishes a local wireless network that exists in some orall of the coverage area of the wireless macro network.

As used herein, technology or wireless technology is the type ordesignation of the wireless communications mechanism employed by aparticular wireless network, such as GSM or CDMA, for example.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a wireless communications network thatincorporates an exemplary intelligent network access controller andother wireless network components to provide access restrictionfeatures. In FIG. 1A, local wireless network 10 is established tooperate as an overlay or underlay to a normal, existing, or macrowireless network 70. The local network 10 includes directional antennae30, repeaters 40, base station(s) 61, amplifier 62, and radio frequency(RF) distribution equipment 64, data store 101 and processor 102, all ofwhich operate in conjunction with intelligent network access controller(INAC) 100 to restrict or to allow wireless communication from and toselected wireless devices 20.

The macro wireless network 70 includes switching center 50 and basestations 60, through which devices 20 establish wireless communicationswith the macro wireless network 70. The switching center 50 includesstandard components that may be found in any switching center, includinga VLR and an HLR 52, authentication center 54, equipment identificationregister 56, a mobile switching center (MSC) 57, a packet switch 58 anda short message service center (SMSC) 59. In an embodiment, multiplemacro networks 70, each operating according to a specific wirelesstechnology, may exist in a same coverage area (see FIG. 6). Ordinarily,a subscriber using a device 20 would have that device 20 registered witha macro wireless network 70 once the device 20 was within the coveragearea of the macro wireless network 70. However, to restrict or otherwisecontrol access to the macro wireless network 70 on either a temporary ora permanent basis, the INAC 100, and associated interface 200, whichfacilitates human operator interaction with the INAC 100, may be used to“lock” selected devices 20 to the INAC 100 and thus prevent, limit, orotherwise control access to the macro wireless network 70.

“Locking” wireless devices 20 to the INAC 100 indicates that a wirelessdevice 20 is tuned to and has been accepted by the local signalbroadcast of the INAC 100 and the local wireless network 10. In anexample, the INAC 100 implements a mimicked signal that follows thesignal patterns, parameters, and characteristics of the underlying macrowireless network 70 (or multiple macro wireless networks 70); however,the localized signal is only connected to the INAC 100 and not the macrowireless network 70. The end result is a wireless device 20 that has theappearance, to the wireless device user, of operating on the macrowireless network 70; however, by virtue of the wireless device 20 beingtuned (“locked”) to the local INAC 100 signal, the wireless device 20 is(except in limited circumstances described later) by default “blocked”from access to the macro wireless network 70 inside the coverage area ofthe INAC 100 (i.e., inside the local wireless network 10).

The INAC 100 may be implemented as an adjunct to the macro wirelessnetwork 70, as an integrated feature within the macro wireless network70, or, as shown in FIG. 1A, may be implemented as a standalone devicethat is independent of any specific macro wireless network 70. In anyconfiguration, the INAC 100 is capable of creating its own “local”wireless network (e.g., the local wireless network 10).

The INAC 100 may be implemented as software, hardware, or a combinationof hardware and software. The software components of the INAC 100 may bestored as a program on a non-transitory computer readable storage mediumsuch as the data storage 101, and the INAC 100, as a program of machineinstructions, may be executed on a suitably programmable processor 102.In addition to storing software components of the INAC 100 (when soimplemented), the data storage 101 includes database 103, which storesvarious data associated with operation of the local wireless network 10,including location registers, device status or classification (allowed,restricted, unknown) and configuration data (phone number, EIN), andother data.

FIG. 1B is a more detailed block diagram of the INAC 100. The INAC 100includes equipment identity module 110 that receives and storesidentifying information associated with devices 20; access module 120that determines, based on setup or operational mode of the INAC 100,which of the devices 20 are to be allowed access to the macro wirelessnetwork 70; locking module 125, which is used to lock a device 20 to theINAC 100 and to provide indications to the locked device 20 that make itappear that the device 20 actually is registered with the macro wirelessnetwork 70; power control and location module 130, which operates inconjunction with base station 61, RF distribution equipment 64,amplifiers 62, directional antennae 30, and repeaters 40 to establishthe area or volume subject to the access restrictions imposed by theINAC 100, and to locate and optionally track wireless devices 20 in ornear the area or volume of the local wireless network 10; macro networkinterface module 135, which connects the local wireless network 10 withone or more macro, or established, wireless networks 70, and allowscommunications between the network 10 and the macro networks 70; timingmodule 140, which may be used to impose temporal limitations on theaccess restriction functions; emergency access module 150, whichoperates to allow certain access types (e.g., emergency 911 calls from awireless device 20) while other access types remain blocked; securityand intercept module 160, which provides for monitoring of certaincommunications locked to the network 10; private network module 170,which operates to create a private wireless network for users of certaindevices 20; and dynamic decision logic 180, which provides coordinationand control of the functions of the INAC 100, including the ability todynamically change control features based on changing events andconditions in the area covered by the network 10.

Boundaries (i.e., the coverage area) of the local wireless network 10,and its many sub-elements, can be static (i.e., fixed in placegeographically) or dynamic (i.e., changing with time). Thus, forexample, an extent of a private wireless network within the localwireless network 10 can be less that the coverage area of the localwireless network, and can be moveable within the local wireless network10. The boundaries of the local wireless network 10 can extend over twodimensions (i.e., latitude and longitude) to create a coverage area, orover three dimensions (i.e., including altitude) to create a coveragevolume. When used hereinafter, volume and area are intended to refer tothe same concept, namely the volume or area, depending on thecircumstances, subject to control by the INAC 100. As will be explainedlater, the local wireless network 10 may comprise an effective coveragevolume defined by the signal strength of the installed RF equipment.However, the actual coverage volume of the local wireless network 10(i.e., the volume in which wireless devices 20 may be locked to the INAC100) may be limited to a volume less than the effective coverage volume.

The identity module 110 serves to determine an identity of a device 20that is within the coverage area of the local network 10. Such identitymay be by means of the device's telephone number or equipmentidentification number 110, among other means. The module 110 also servesto classify the device 20. For example, a device 20 may have otheraccess limitations embedded, such as a limited number of outgoing callnumbers the device 20 can dial, or the device 20 may be limited tocalling only 911 or other emergency services. The classification of thedevice 20 may be used to limit, deny, or allow communication with themacro wireless network 70 while the device 20 is within the coveragearea of the local wireless network 10. A device 20 that cannot beidentified may be categorized as restricted (see below) and such device20 would then be locked to the INAC 100 and blocked from access to themacro wireless network 70. The identity module 110 may store the device20 classification in the database 103 (see FIG. 1A).

Through the access module 120 and the locking module 125, the INAC 100provides discretionary blocking of access to and from the macro wirelessnetwork 70 by devices 20 by recognizing differences among the devices20. In an embodiment, the INAC 100 recognizes three categories ofdevices 20: restricted, allowed, and unknown. Restricted devices arethose that are identified as belonging to subscribers who are to bedenied wireless access (e.g., prisoners, terrorists). Restricted devicesare configured by the INAC 100 so as not to be allowed wireless serviceand access to the macro wireless network 70. Every device 20 has aunique identifying number or characteristic. If the device identifyingnumber or characteristic (e.g., subscriber number) is configured to be“restricted,” the INAC 100 accepts that device's access and returns apositive acknowledgement to the device 20. This creates the illusion, atthe device 20, that the subscriber has gained access to and is operatingwithin the macro wireless network 70, when, in fact, the device 20 islocked to the INAC 100 until the device 20 is removed from therestricted access area imposed by the INAC 100. By locking the“restricted” device 20 to the INAC 100, all incoming and outgoingaccesses by the device 20 may be prevented while the “restricted” device20 is within the coverage area of the local wireless network 10.

A restricted device category may change dynamically. For example, adevice 20 that incorporates a camera may be classified in the restrictedcategory in some local wireless network applications (e.g., an operaticperformance where photographs and video are prohibited) but classifiedas an allowed device in other local networks. Alternatively, a devicehaving a camera may have its data functions locked to the local wirelessnetwork 10 but other functions (voice and text) allowed.

Allowed devices are those configured in the INAC 100 as to be allowedwireless service on the macro wireless network 70. After determining theidentity of the device 20, and determining that the device 20 is an“allowed” device, the INAC 100 redirects the device 20 from the INAC 100to the appropriate macro wireless network 70. This redirection forcesthe “allowed” device to reattempt access on the macro wireless network70. Once so redirected, the “allowed” device's subscriber can use thedevice 20 for normal inbound and outbound traffic on the macro wirelessnetwork 70.

Unknown devices 20 are those not specifically identified and configuredby the INAC 100 as allowed or restricted. Unknown devices 20 may beconfigured to allow normal wireless network access depending, forexample, on a security level requirement at a given location (e.g., forhomeland security threat conditions of orange and lower, unknown devicesare allowed access to the macro wireless network 70).

Although the devices 20 have been described herein by a classificationscheme as allowed, restricted, and unknown, other classification schemesmay be employed with the INAC 100.

As noted herein, the INAC 100 may initiate a locking process bycompelling a wireless device 20, such as a cellular telephone, toregister with the INAC 100 rather than with the macro wireless network70. However, the INAC 100 need not always send a signal to compelregistration. For example, when a wireless device 20 is powered up, itacts as a scanning radio, searching through a list of control channelsfor the strongest signal. The device 20 re-scans every seven seconds orwhen the signal strength weakens, regardless of whether a call isplaced. The device 20 may search for an identification code assigned toa wireless service provider (e.g., the macro wireless network 70). Afterselecting a channel, the device 20 identifies itself by sendingprogrammed codes that may identify the device 20, the owner of thedevice 20, and the device's wireless service provider. In a cellulartelephone, these codes may include an EIN, for example. A cell siterelays these codes to the mobile telecommunications switching center ina registration process. For example, cellular telephones that arepowered on will automatically register or re-register with a cellulartower as the phone travels within the macro wireless network 70. Theregistration process is the technical means by which the macro wirelessnetwork 70 identifies the device 20 and its owner, validates the accountand determines where to route call traffic. This exchange occurs on adedicated control channel that is separate from that used for callcontent (i.e. audio)—which occurs on a separate dedicated channel. Thisregistration process automatically occurs even while the cell phone isidle. Moving from one coverage area to another may re-trigger theregistration process.

As noted above, the INAC 100 may initiate registration on its own bysending a signal to the device 20 causing the device 20 to transmit andidentify itself to the INAC 100. The INAC 100 periodically may broadcastsignals that compel devices 20 to register with the INAC 100.

Devices 20 that may be in the area of the local wireless network 10 mayuse different generations of wireless technology and different formatsor types of wireless technologies, including second generation (2G)GSM/GPRS/EDGE, and 3G UMTS/WCDMA/HSPA/HSPA+, CDMA 2000 1×RTT, and EDVO.The INAC 100 may use different processes to compel registration whenattracting (directing) devices 20 of these different technologies to thelocal wireless network 10 and redirecting the devices 20 from the localwireless network 10 to the macro wireless network 70, or from the macrowireless network 70 to the local wireless network 10. For example, for2G GSM/GPRS/EDGE technologies, the INAC 100 may broadcast a coordinatedsignal to attract compatible devices 20. The INAC 100 establishesappropriate parameters in the coordinated signal to provoke a locationupdate from the device 20. Once it receives the location update from thedevice 20, the INAC 100 processes an inbound access request from thedevice 20 and processes the request based on the status (i.e., allowed,unknown, restricted) of the device 20. For example, if the identitymodule 110 of the INAC 100 determines that the device 20 is restrictedor unknown, the INAC 100 may lock the restricted/unknown device 20 tothe INAC 100.

For third generation (3G) UMTS/WCDMA/HSPA/HSPA+wireless technologies,the INAC 100 may operate according to one of at least two processes. Ina first process, the INAC 100 uses the parameters and registrationprocesses of the underlying macro wireless network 70. Devices 20 arecompelled through broadcast parameters to perform a location update. Aswith the 2G GSM/GPRS/EDGE process described above, the INAC 100processes an inbound access request from the device 20 and either locksthe device 20 or redirects the device 20 to the macro wireless network70 based on the classification of the device 20 in the database 103.

In a second process, in an example, the INAC 100 may operate inaccordance with the parameters of the underlying macro wireless network70 without using the standard device access processing of network 70.Specifically, the INAC 100 does not respond to an access request fromthe device 20. When the device access request to the network 70 is metwith a lack of response, the device 20 steps down its operation from the3G technologies to the lower generation 2G technologies. Once the device20 has stepped down to the 2G technologies (e.g., GSM/GPRS/EDGE), theINAC 100 processes the device 20 according to this 2G technology. In asecond step down example, whereby a device 20 steps down to 2Gtechnology, the INAC 100 sends targeted messaging to the device 20 whenthe device 20 attempts to access the network 70 in the area controlledby the INAC 100 (i.e., in the area of the local wireless network 10).The targeted messaging instructs the device 20 to step down to the 2GGSM/GPRS/EDGE technology.

The network architecture of U.S. narrowband CDMA systems requires adifferent approach for attracting devices 20 to the INAC signal. Unlikeother commercial technologies where a transition in channels takes placefrom site to site (as in 2G GSM) or the number of channels is limited toone or two channels (as in 3G UMTS), CDMA 2000 1×RTT networks employ1.25 MHz channels. Up to eight different channels may be in operation inany spectrum license. Traffic management in a CDMA network is based onmaintaining a distribution of users across these multiple frequencies.As devices 20 enter the CDMA 2000 1×RTT network, the devices 20 areassigned an operating channel for the duration of their service in thecoverage area until such time as the device 20 leaves the coverage area,is powered off, or is instructed by the network to switch channels. Theend result is that the CDMA 2000 1×RTT commercial operator is able tolevel subscriber traffic across multiple channels and balance thenetwork load accordingly. When the device user is involved in a voicecall, text message, or data session, the user completes the entiretransaction within the currently assigned frequency.

In situations where the commercial coverage of CDMA extends to areas ofan INAC 100 initiated local network 10, devices 20 may be idle onmultiple different CDMA channels across the frequency spectrum of themacro wireless network 70. In some situations, the macro network 70 mayhave up to eight or more channels. The INAC 100 provides a coordinatedmethod for redirecting idle devices 20 from each of the macro wirelessnetwork's CDMA channels to a targeted CDMA channel on the INAC localwireless network 10. The redirection is accomplished through theperiodic transmission of a targeted message set instructing the idledevices 20 to retune to the specified frequency.

The intelligent network access controller can: broadcast up to eight ormore separate frequencies on a single band; operate on any standard CDMAchannel in the cell, PCS, or AWS bands; broadcast multiple signals formultiple operators (different SIDs/NIDs); tailor the signaling messagingand pulse rate per channel; generate the Pilot, SYNC, and Pagingchannels on up to eight or more separate frequencies in a single band;provide the redirect capabilities to send devices to a targeted CDMAchannel in the same band; provide the redirect capabilities to senddevices to a targeted CDMA channel in an alternate band; provide theredirect capabilities to send devices to a targeted CDMA channel of analternate macro wireless network; provide the 3G EVDO access controlfunction; provide the capability to coordinated access for outboundvoice calls, text messages, and data sessions from allowed devices thatare redirected from the INAC CDMA channel to the designated CDMA channelof the macro wireless network.

The above-described method of leveraging a redirection allows for a moreefficient handling of devices 20 within the INAC 100 as well asminimizing the impact to CDMA channels of the macro network 70. The endresult is that within the coverage area of the local wireless network10, the CDMA macro wireless network 70 is collapsed from multiplecommercial CDMA channels to a single CDMA channel.

When an allowed device 20 attempts to place a call, send a text message,or establish a data session on the macro wireless network 70, the INAC100 redirects the device 20 from the INAC CDMA channel to apre-designated CDMA channel of the macro wireless network 70. In orderto accommodate this access to the macro wireless network 70, the INAC100 suspends its transmission on the target CDMA channel on the macrowireless network for a coordinated preset period. After the presetperiod, the INAC 100 resumes the transmissions on the CDMA channel ofthe macro wireless network 70. This period allows an allowed device 20to initiate its transaction on the target CDMA channel of the macrowireless network 70, thus exiting the idle state and allowing a voicecall, text message, or data session to be established. When thetransaction ends, the allowed device 20 returns to the idle state on theCDMA channel of the macro wireless network 70. Upon receiving a redirectcommand from the INAC 100 on this channel, the allowed device 20 isredirected back to the INAC CDMA channel.

EVDO as s technology is the 3G compliment to the CDMA 2000 1×RTT 2Gsystem. Unlike the GSM technology where a device 20 is either on 2G GSMor 3G UMTS, the devices 20 using CDMA 2000 1×RTT, EVDO operates within a1.25 MHZ channel. A typical macro wireless network with this technologymay have multiple CDMA 2000 1×RTT channels and one to several EVDOchannels deployed. In this situation, to attract devices 20 to the localwireless network 10, the INAC 100 may operate in accordance with theparameters and processes of the macro wireless network 70. The INAC 100compels devices 20 to register with the INAC 100 by broadcastingparameters that direct the devices 20 to perform a location update. Aswith the GSM/GPRS/EDGE process, the INAC 100 processes the inboundaccess request and reacts accordingly based on the configuration of thedevice 20 in the database 103.

An example access sequence for a device 20 is to acquire the CDMA 20001×RTT channel of the local wireless network 10 first, and then proceedto acquire an EVDO channel. For the EVDO and CDMA channels, the INAC 100broadcasts messaging that makes the channel(s) unavailable to thedevices 20 while in the coverage area of the local wireless network 10.By disabling the access to the EDVO service, CDMA devices 20 are onlyable to access the INAC 100 CDMA 2000 1×RTT channel while in thecoverage area of the local wireless network 10.

For 4G LTE, there are two methods by which devices 20 may be compelledto register with the INAC 100. First, devices are compelled throughbroadcast parameters to perform a location update. As with the GSMprocess, the INAC 100 processes the inbound access request and reactsaccordingly based on the configuration of the device 20 in the database103.

A second alternative is to operate the device 20 according to the 4G LTEtechnology but without the standard processing of this technology fordevice access. When the device access to the system is met with a lackof response, the device 20 steps down in the operation from the 4G LTElevel to the 3G level technology, effectively funneling the device 20 tothe next lower technology. The 3G technology may be 3GUMTS/WCDMA/HSPA/HSPA+or may be 3G EVDO depending on the devicecharacterization and the configuration of the macro wireless network 70.The technology step down also can take place from 4G LTE to a 2Gtechnology using a similar method of processing. In this case, thedevice 20 attempting to access the macro wireless network 70 on 4G LTEfinds the INAC signal for 4G LTE and steps down to a 2G signal. Once on2G, the device 20 is processed as a 2G device. The 2G technology can be2G GSM/GPRS/EDGE or 2G CDMA 2000 1×RTT depending on the devicecharacterization and wireless network configuration. In either case forthe 4G to 3G step down or the 4G to 2G step down, these scenarios alsocan be accomplished through targeted messaging sent to the device whenthey access the network. The messaging instructs the device 20 to stepdown to the next level of technology.

For the 4G WiMAX technology, there are two methods by which devices 20may be compelled to register with the INAC 100. First, devices 20 arecompelled through broadcast parameters to perform a location update. Aswith the GSM/GPRS/EDGE process, the INAC 100 processes the inboundaccess request and reacts accordingly based on the characterization ofthe device 20 in the database 103. A second alternative is to operatethe device 20 in accordance with the 4G WiMAX technology withoutproviding the standard processing of the device access request. When thedevice access is met with a lack of response, the device 20 steps downin operation from the 4G WiMAX level to the 3G level technology, whicheffectively funnels the device 20 to the next lower generationtechnology. The 3G technology may be 3G UMTS/WCDMA/HSPA/HSPA+or may be3G EVDO. The technology step down also can take place from 4G WiMAX to2G using a similar method of processing in which the device 20 accessingthe wireless network 70 on 4G WiMAX finds the INAC 100 signal for WiMAXand then steps down to the 2G signal. Once on 2G, the device 20 isprocessed as a 2G device. The 2G technology can be either 2GGSM/GPRS/EDGE or 2G CDMA 2000 1×RTT. In either the 4G to 3G step down orthe 4G to 2G step down, the step down also can be accomplished throughtargeted messaging sent to the device 20 when the device 20 attempts toaccess the macro wireless network 70. The messaging instructs the device20 to step down to the next technology level.

As noted above, the INAC 100 operates to create a local overlay orunderlay of the same frequency spectrum and configuration as the macrowireless network 70. That is, the INAC 100 mimics the macro wirelessnetwork 70 in the coverage area of the local wireless network 10. Thearea of restricted access (i.e., the coverage area of the local wirelessnetwork 10) can extend to any part of the coverage area of the macrowireless network 70, and such restricted access area may be enforced bythe use of the power control and location module 130, directionalantennae 30, and repeaters 40. The directional antenna 30, repeaters 40,as well as the base stations 60, amplifiers 62, and RF distributionequipment 64 may all be located outdoors, all be located indoors, or belocated in any combination between indoors and outdoors. Thus, therestricted area under control of the INAC 100 may be limited to abuilding, a sports stadium, or a geographical area, for example.Furthermore, although the coverage area of the local wireless network 10ordinarily might extend beyond the boundaries of the building, sportsstadium, or geographical area, by imposing boundary constraints, asdescribed below, the enforced coverage area of the local wirelessnetwork may match precisely the extent of the actual boundaries of thebuilding, sports stadium, or geographical area.

The area of restricted wireless access is not necessarily static, andcan be changed based on set criteria, variable (dynamically changing)criteria, or at the discretion of a network operator. The end result isa targeted coverage area that can provide controlled and deterministicwireless communications access by subscribers. Once a restricted or anunknown device 20 leaves the restricted access area, the subscriber'sdevice 20 re-registers with the macro wireless network 70 and is nolonger controlled (locked) to the INAC 100.

The power control and location module 130 includes the processingcomponent algorithms and databases (a device location sub-module, notshown in FIG. 1B) needed to determine the location of a device 20relative to the coverage area imposed by INAC 100 (i.e., the localwireless network 10 coverage area). The module 130 may determine devicelocation based on a GPS signal provided in conjunction with operation ofthe device 20. For example, the device 20 may query a GPS satellite toobtain geographic location information. The GPS-provided information maybe used to both initially locate the wireless device 20, andsubsequently to track the wireless device 20. The wireless device 20also may be tracked by a dead reckoning process. When locked to the INAC100, the same query from the device 20 may cause the locationinformation to be provided to the module 130. The module 130 also maytake advantage of location information provided by components of themacro wireless network 70, by local network 10-dedicated cell detectioncomponents, or by a process of database correlation to geo-locate thedevice 20. For example, using triangulation mechanisms, two or morereceiving units of the networks 10 or 70 may measure radiated power(signal strength) from the device 20, send the signals to the INAC 100,where the module 130 computes circular location information anddetermines a point of intercept that corresponds to the location of thedevice 20. The module 130 can implement other triangulation techniquesand similar processes may be used for other signals. The module 130 alsomay determine altitude of the device 20, in addition to latitude andlongitude. One means for determining altitude is by computing slantrange based on angle of arrival information. Another altitudemeasurement technique involves proximity to equipment of the networks 10or 70 that are at a known altitude. Well-known location informationmechanisms also may be incorporated into the module 130.

The module 130 may rely on using voice recognition to determine theposition location of a device 20.

The module 130 may rely on covertly activating a device 20 to determineits location. This activation may include the use of a camera ormicrophone of a device 20 to gather information about the device 20position location.

The module 130 may rely on the underlying macro wireless network 70 forposition location of a device 20. For example, once a device 20 isidentified as within the RF coverage area created by the INAC 100, themodule 130, in conjunction with the module 135, may send a short messageto corresponding equipment in the macro wireless network 70. Thatequipment has the geographic location of the device 20, and can continueto track the location of the device 20. The device location equipment ofthe macro wireless network 70 then can send the geographic location ofthe device 20 to the module 130, and can update the location as thedevice 20 is moved within the coverage area of the local wirelessnetwork 10.

The module 130 also may determine device location based on databasecorrelation techniques. For example, each point (location defined withsome degree of granularity) in the coverage area of the local wirelessnetwork 10 may have associated location characteristics, and a databaseof those characteristics may be incorporated into the module 130, alongwith algorithms to recognize and process the characteristics data. Uponreceiving such characteristics data associated with a specific device,the module consults the characteristics database to see if the receivedcharacteristics correspond to any of the defined points in the coveragearea. These characteristics include signal strength of the device 20,measured angle of arrival of a signal, intercept by one specific wi-fipoint, time of entry within the RF coverage area of the local wirelessnetwork 10, and other characteristics.

Once the module 130 determines location (x, y, z (optional)) of thedevice 20, that location can be compared to the intended boundaries ofthe local wireless network 10, and if the device 20 is within theboundaries, the device 20 either can be denied full access, given someform of restricted access, or given full access to the macro wirelessnetwork 70.

When the subscriber's wireless device 20 is locked to the INAC 100, thelocking module 125, in an embodiment, operates to ensure that thedevice's display and apparent operation are the same as if the device 20were registered with the macro wireless network 70. In an embodiment, asubscriber who attempts to use a device 20 locked to the INAC 100 willsee a failed access attempt, or similar warning. The subscriber'sperception then likely would be that the device 20 was not receivingsufficient signal strength to enable wireless communications or theserving wireless network did not have the requisite capacity to servicethe access request. This further masks the purpose and operation of theINAC 100. Only after a repeated pattern of access denial is establishedwould the typical subscriber discern the restricted access.

In another embodiment, certain subscribers may be allowed to place callsunder control of the INAC 100. For example, and as will be describedlater, the security and intercept module 160 may be used to monitor andlocally record certain conversations from devices 20 within the coveragearea of the local wireless network 10.

The macro network module 135 operates to connect the INAC 100 tocorresponding control equipment of the macro wireless network 70, and tocommunicate (send messages) between networks 10 and 70. The module 135also may be used in connection with the security & intercept module 160to monitor and record communications from selected devices 20 usingequipment of the macro wireless network 70.

The timing module 140 may be programmed for, or may generate signals tolimit access of devices 20 based on time of day, day of week, specificdates, or any event for which a time base can be established. Time maybe determined based on defined start and stop times/days, or by a starttime/day and a duration.

The emergency call module 150 can be used to grant limited exceptions toaccess restrictions otherwise imposed on the local wireless network 10.For example, in an embodiment, an otherwise restricted device 20 may beallowed to make a 911 or emergency call. The module 150 includes theprogramming needed to recognize such an emergency call, and, based onpre-established rules, either allow or disallow the call. For example,depending on the type of installation and the security requirements,emergency call access may need to be available, and thus may be enabledor disabled. Emergency call access can be configured based on theclassification of each device 20: restricted, allowed, or unknown. FIG.3 is an interface 220 that allows a system operator to enable or disableemergency access for each of the three subscriber device classifications(restricted, allowed, and unknown). In an embodiment, when emergencycall access is enabled, the emergency access module 150 of the INAC 100allows a device 20 to be redirected to the macro wireless network 70when that device 20 dials an emergency call access number such as 911.Upon completion of the emergency call access, the device 20 returns to alocked to INAC condition, as appropriate. When emergency call access isdisabled, the INAC 100 ignores all call access requests from subscriberswhose devices 20 are locked to the INAC 100.

As an alternative to the emergency call access redirection processdescribed above, the INAC 100 may provide local handling of an emergency(911) call access without redirecting the device 20 to the macrowireless network 70 (see FIG. 1A). In this example, the INAC 100recognizes the emergency call access from the device 20 as a 911 call,and instead of initiating redirection to the macro wireless network 70,processes the 911 call locally on the local wireless network 10,providing call routing to the appropriate emergency destination. Theemergency destination may be a Public Safety Access Point (PSAP) or analternative destination as configured on the INAC 100. The emergencydestination may be reached by way of a direct connection with the INAC100 or indirectly by way of another telecommunications network. Theconnection from the INAC 100 to the destination of the 911 call may beprovided over a circuit switched or packet switched connection.

Returning to FIG. 1B, the INAC 100 may include the optional security andintercept module 160 that is used for lawful intercept of wirelesscommunications using a direct Internet connection (or other availableconnection type) to a monitoring station. When enabled at the INAC 100,the security and intercept module 160 allows law enforcement personnelto monitor and record conversations and data transfers (packet andcircuit), call signaling messages, accessed features, and SMS originatedor terminated messages for targeted wireless devices that are currentlylocked to the INAC 100 and allowed localized services on the INAC 100system.

When the INAC 100 operates to restrict wireless communications by way ofa wireless network, there still may be a need to provide some form ofprivate network communications in the wireless access limited area ofthe local wireless network 10. To provide this additional functionality,the INAC 100 may include the private network module 170, which allowsfor limited wireless voice communications using either a commerciallyavailable technology such as GSM or CDMA, or voice over IP (VoIP)technology, including session initiated protocol/unlicensed mobileaccess (SIP/UMA). As additional wireless technologies become viable,these can be added to the private network as well. The private networkmodule 170 also allows for connection to a PBX or PSTN.

The INAC 100 can be configured to provide various levels of accessdepending on the configuration of the subscriber devices 20 and thelevel of security required for the access. Under control of the dynamicdecision logic module 180, the INAC's operational mode may be changeddynamically, either automatically, or manually. The module 180 considersinputs from other modules of the INAC 100 and processes these inputs toarrive at an operational mode configuration. Automatic changes may beprogrammed using the interface 200. Examples of automatic changes arechanges programmed into the INAC 100 based on time of day, day of week,or some other calendar-based criteria; the occurrence of a specificevent (e.g., a concert); changes in threat levels (e.g., homelandsecurity threat conditions—yellow, orange, etc.); and changes in anoperational profile or physical location (of the INAC 100 or of thewireless device 20) (e.g., an aircraft descending below 10,000 feet, aship entering port, a train arriving at a station). In addition, themodule 180 dynamically resolves conflicts between inputs from the otherINAC 100 modules. For example, the access module 120 may allow access ata specific location while the power control and location module 130disallows access. Any such conflicts are resolved by the module 180. Onesuch means for conflict resolution is to prioritize inputs from thevarious modules so that the competing module with the highest priorityalways wins.

The INAC 100 may be programmed with dynamic trigger points that change amode of operation of the INAC 100 with respect to all devices 20, aspecific class of devices 20, or a specific (individual) device 20. Forexample, if the INAC 100 detects an influx of 1,000 pre-paid devices 20within the local wireless network 10 over a given period, the INAC 10may block any further pre-paid devices 20, and/or may block any or allof the initial 1,000 pre-paid devices. In another example, if anotherwise restricted device 20 is used to attempt a call to one specificnumber a number of times (e.g., 10) within a period, that device may beunlocked from the INAC 100 and passed to the macro wireless network 70,but the ensuing conversation, text, or data are recorded or monitored.

Manual changes may be implemented directly by a system operator by usingthe interface 200. For any of the modes of operation, the INAC 100provides a logging mechanism to track all system access attempts and theresulting status. Additionally, the INAC 100 provides, with the database103 (see FIG. 1A) the capability to view the existing databaseinformation including the allowed and restricted lists, systemconfiguration, system statistics, and log of system activity.

The INAC's operational modes include disabled, wherein the accessrestrictions imposable by the INAC 100 are suspended; hold all, orvirtual jam, wherein all wireless communications are processed as lockedto the INAC 100; unknown allowed, wherein only known “restricted”devices are locked to the INAC 100; and unknown blocked, in which bothrestricted and unknown devices are locked to the INAC 100. FIG. 2illustrates an exemplary interface 210 produced by the interface 200 andthe INAC 100 for enabling wireless access restrictions. Additionally,the INAC 100 also can operate in a passive mode where all subscriberaccess is redirected to the appropriate macro wireless network 70.

As subscribers access the INAC 100, and either are locked to the INAC100 or redirected to the macro wireless network 70, the INAC 100captures access information that can be used to generate access reportsfor each type of device 20 (i.e., unknown, allowed, restricted). Thereports provide an organized analysis as to which users are accessingthe system, including time period, call duration, and frequency of use.The reports also provide useful information for establishing systemdatabases and use of the INAC 100. The reports may be stored in thedatabase 103 (see FIG. 1A).

The INAC 100 provides for location sensitive operations, an example ofwhich, as noted above, involves an aircraft. The INAC 100 may beinstalled on an aircraft so that certain devices (e.g., those of crewmembers) may be used for wireless communications at any time.Alternatively, the INAC 100 may be used to control access to wirelesscommunications based on the aircraft's location (latitude, longitude,and altitude) or any aspect or aircraft operation

There are many possible deployment options for the INAC 100. Forexample, the INAC 100 may be implemented as a permanent part of themacro wireless network 70. The INAC 100 also may be implemented as astandalone device that overlays one or more wireless communicationsnetworks so that all wireless communications in a specific location arecapable of some form of access restriction. One example of this wirelessfeature is to establish an INAC 100 at a building, a facility, or acampus.

A specific implementation of the INAC 100 is to control (e.g., block)wireless communications among a prison population while at the same timeallowing prison guards and staff to use the underlying macro wirelessnetwork 70. This implementation is illustrated in FIG. 4, wherein aprison facility 250 is defined by perimeter 252. Installed within theperimeter 252 is INAC 100, and corresponding transmission equipment 254,which includes a base station, amplifier, RF distribution module, andone or more antennas. The antennas may be directional, and serve todefine a number of sectors A-D as shown. Adjacent to the perimeter 252is a road 256 over which everyday traffic may pass. Users inside theperimeter 252 with unauthorized devices 20 have their devices locked tothe INAC 100. The precise boundary (i.e., the perimeter 252) of theprison facility is known and stored with the INAC 100. Any authorizeddevice 20 located within the perimeter 252 may be passed to theunderlying macro wireless network 70, after verification by the INAC100. Unauthorized devices 20 ordinarily are locked to the INAC 100, butmay be passed to the macro wireless network 70 and the ensuingconversation, text, or data may be recorded. Because the coverage areaestablished by the INAC 100 may “overlap” the perimeter, devices 20outside the boundary may initially lock to the INAC 100. Afterverification that such a device is not restricted, the device 20 may beredirected to the macro wireless network 70.

The installation of the local wireless network 10 at the prison 250 maybe at a finer-grained level than simply the prison boundary 252. Forexample, a cell block 260 may be designated as the only restrictedaccess area for wireless devices 20, such that any wireless device 20brought into the cell block 260 is locked to the INAC 100.Alternatively, only unknown and restricted wireless devices within theprecise boundaries of the cell block 260 are locked to the INAC 100. Inanother embodiment, the local wireless network 10 can be set-up to coverall of the area (x, y, z) within the boundaries of the prison 250,except the precise boundaries of administration building 258, whereaccess to the underlying macro wireless network 70 is permitted.Finally, the level of access to the macro wireless network 70 may varyfrom one sector (A-D) to another in the prison 250.

Thus, by using the precise two- or three-dimensional boundary data for aspecific building, facility, or geographic location, locking a wirelessdevice 20 to the INAC 100 may be accomplished at virtually any level ofgranularity. For example, wireless devices 20 may be locked to the INAC100 when brought into a room in an office building, into a cell block ina prison, or onto a mobile platform, such as an airplane, while otherwireless devices 20 outside the room, cell block, or airplane, areconnected to the macro wireless network 70.

Installation of the INAC 100 as part of a network, or as a standalonedevice can be permanent or temporary. For example, the INAC 100 may beavailable as a mobile device, along with the necessary amplifiers, RFdistribution, antennae and repeaters, so that a disaster recoveryoperation may invoke wireless access restrictions in the area where thedisaster recovery is taking place. Upon completion of the disasterrecovery operations, the access limitation area is disestablished.

The INAC 100 may also provide the capability to individually access thelocked wireless devices 20 overtly or covertly thus allowing theexchange of information or enabling the ability to provoke action fromthe wireless device. For example, devices 20 locked to the INAC 100, asnoted above, may be queried to determine their geographical (GPS)location. Other devices 20 may be turned on so as to monitorconversations capable of detection by the device's microphone.

The preceding description of the INAC 100 referred to its use inrestricting wireless communications. However, the INAC 100 also may beused to enable (and thus control) wireless communications in the RFcoverage area of the local wireless network 10. For example, a themepark may establish a local wireless network 10 using the INAC 100. Thetheme park may provide its own devices 20 to theme park customers, andpermit certain wireless communications within the theme park using thetheme park-owned devices. The communications may be used by one familymember to track another family member, to provide news updates tocustomers with the theme park-owned devices, and for other purposes. Inthis implementation of the INAC 100, the existing macro wireless network70 may continue to function, and the user-owned devices 20 wouldcommunicate as normal over the macro wireless network 70.

Another implementation of the INAC 100 to provide wirelesscommunications involves establishing a VIP service to local customers.In this implementation, the INAC 100 serves VIP customers (using thosecustomers' normal devices 20) and directs all other customers to theunderlying macro wireless network 70. This VIP service can be used invirtually any location or situation, including at prisons to provide acommunications network for guards and other staff, at embassies toprovide secure wireless communication, at shopping malls, officecomplexes, military installations, onboard a ship at sea or an airplanein flight above a specific altitude, for example. Because onlyregistered devices 20 can communicate over the local wireless network10, security may be enhanced, and unauthorized wireless communicationsprevented while the underlying macro wireless network 70 continues tofunction as normal.

As noted above, the INAC 100 may be used to control wireless access forone wireless technology, and/or for one frequency range, or for multipletechnologies and frequency ranges. FIGS. 5 and 6 show thisfunctionality, with examples of current wireless protocols illustrated.One skilled in the art will appreciate that other protocols would applyequally, including wireless protocols to be developed in the future. InFIG. 5, the INAC 100 is used to create restricted wireless access area300 as an overlay to the macro wireless network 70, where the network 70and the restricted access area 300 are based on GSM 1800 protocols. InFIG. 6, three wireless technologies are shown and, correspondingly,three restricted access areas (300, 300′, 300″). In a furtheralternative, the INAC 100 may be used to create restricted access areasfor only a subset of the protocols of a multi-protocol wireless network.

FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate example methods for intelligent network accesscontrol. Method 400 involves creating a local wireless network and fordynamically controlling wireless communications. In FIG. 7A, method 400begins in block 410 when a local wireless communications network 300(see FIG. 5) is established having a defined RF coverage area. Followingestablishment of the local wireless network 300, wireless devices 20 mayenter the RF coverage area corresponding to the local wireless network300. In block 420, the INAC 100 detects entry of a wireless device 20into the RF coverage area. Techniques for detecting such entry arewell-known to those skilled in the art. In block 430, if the wirelessdevice 20 has not already initiated registration with the INAC 100, theINAC 100 send the first part of a handshake message, as is known in theart, to provoke such registration. The INAC 100 may use other techniquesto provoke such registration. In block 440, following registration ofthe wireless device 20, the INAC 100 identifies the wireless device 20and dynamically determines the characteristics of the wireless device 20and, if necessary, the characteristics of the RF coverage area of thelocal wireless network 300. The process of block 440 is shown in detailin FIG. 7B.

In FIG. 7B, in block 442, the INAC 100 dynamically determines the device20 characteristics and the RF coverage area characteristics. Thewireless device 20 characteristics may be tied to a phone number of thewireless device 20 subscriber number (wireless phone number), or otheridentifying information. Wireless devices 20 may be categorized orcharacterized as known to the INAC 100, unknown to the INAC 100, orrestricted (e.g., belonging to a known terrorist). The RFcharacteristics of the local wireless network 300 may change with timeand space. That is, for example, certain areas of the local wirelessnetwork 300 may be used to allow wireless communications for any of thewireless devices 20, or a subset of the wireless devices; in otherareas, no wireless communications may be allowed. An example of such anaccess-limited RF coverage area is one established for an Embassy or aprison. In addition, the local wireless network 300 may limit wirelesscommunications based on date or time of day, for example. Dynamicallydetermining device characteristics includes determining the phone numberand/or EIN of the device 20 (see block 443); determining device 20location relative to the INAC 100 location (see block 444); anddetermining device 20 call features (block 445). To determine RFcoverage area characteristics, the INAC 100 determines, inter alia, RFcoverage area restrictions (see block 446). Following block 446, themethod 400 returns to block 442 and then returns to block 440 (FIG. 7A).Following block 440, method 400 moves to block 450.

In block 450, the INAC 100 initially locks all wireless devices 20(restricted, allowed, and unknown) to the INAC 100, and consequently tothe local wireless network 300, thereby inhibiting wireless access tothe macro wireless network 70, and subsequently may redirect certaindevices 20 to the macro wireless network 70. FIG. 7C shows a portion ofthe operation of block 450 in detail. In FIG. 7C, with all devices 20locked to the INAC 100, in block 452 the INAC 100 determines if thedevice 20 is restricted. If, in block 453 the device 20 is determined tobe restricted, the method 400 moves to block 454. If the device is notrestricted, the method 400 moves to block 456 and the INAC 100determines if the device is unknown. If the device 20 is unknown, themethod moves to block 454. If the device 20 is not unknown, the method400 moves to block 458, and the INAC 100 allows the wireless device 20access to the macro wireless network 70. In block 454, the INAC 100continues to block access of the restricted and unknown wireless devices20 to the macro network 70. Following blocks 454 and 458, the methodmoves to block 460, FIG. 7A.

Once a device 20 is locked to the INAC 100, the INAC 100 may allowwireless communications for some or all such locked wireless devices 20,based on the dynamically determined characteristics of a particularwireless device 20, in conjunction with the RF coverage areacharacteristics, and under certain circumstances, such as an attemptedemergency call access. Details of an aspect of this process of block 460are shown in FIG. 7D, in which a device 20 attempts a call to the macronetwork 70. In block 461, the INAC 100 determines if the attempted callis an emergency call access request. If the access request is not anemergency call access request, the method 400 moves to block 466. If theaccess request is an emergency call access request, the method 400 movesto block 462, and the INAC 100 determines the device category (i.e.,restricted or unknown). In block 464, if the device is unknown, themethod 400 moves to block 463 and the INAC 100 allows emergency accessand redirects the device 20 to the macro network 70. If the device 20 isnot unknown (meaning the device 20 is restricted), the method 400 movesto block 465 and the INAC 100 blocks emergency call access through themacro wireless network 70. In block 466, the INAC 100 determines if theattempted call is a request to create a virtual private network. If theattempted access is not a request to create a virtual private network,the method 400 moves to block 467 and the INAC 100 continues to blockaccess to the macro wireless network 70. If the attempted call is avirtual private network request, the method 400 moves to block 468 andthe INAC 100 creates a virtual private network. Following any of blocks463, 467, and 468, the method 400 returns to block 460 (FIG. 7A) and theINAC continues to control access of the devices 20 to the macro wirelessnetwork 70.

FIGS. 8A-8F illustrate another example intelligent network accesscontrol method that involves creating a local wireless network and fordynamically controlling wireless communications using the local wirelessnetwork. In FIG. 8A, a 2G or 3G wireless device 20 enters the coveragearea of a local wireless network 10. In an example method 500, the INAC100 broadcasts, block 505, a coordinated signal to attract wirelessdevices. The broadcast signal mimics a corresponding signal from themacro wireless network 70, but may have a stronger signal strength. The2G/3G wireless device 20 receives the broadcast signal from the INAC 100and responds with a location update and access request, which the INACreceives, block 510. In block 515, the INAC 100 locks the wirelessdevice 20 to the INAC 100. In block 520, the INAC determines an identityof the wireless device 20. The INAC 100 then determines thecharacterization (i.e., allowed, unknown, restricted) of the wirelessdevice 20. For example, the INAC 100 may use the device identity to findits characterization as listed in the database 103 of FIG. 1A. In block525, the INAC 100 determines if the device 20 is allowed. If the device20 is allowed, the method 500 moves to block 530, and the INAC 100permits the device 20 to re-attempt access to the macro wireless network70. If the device is not allowed, the method moves to block 535 and thedevice 20 is maintained in a locked condition.

FIG. 8B illustrates example method 550 in which a wireless device 20operating with a later generation access technology (3G or 4G) iscontrolled by the INAC 100. In block 555, the INAC 100 broadcasts acoordinated signal to attract wireless devices. In block 560, after awireless device has intercepted the broadcast signal, the INAC 100receives a location update and access request from the wireless device20. However, the INAC 100 does not respond to the access request. Whenthe device 20 does not receive an acknowledgement, the device 20 stepsdown its access technology to the next lower access technology (e.g., 3Gstep down to 2G). In block 565, the INAC 100 receives an access requestwith the step down in access technology. Processing of the device 20then proceeds as shown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C illustrates example method 570 in which a wireless device 20operating with a later generation access technology (3G or 4G) iscontrolled by the INAC 100. In block 575, the INAC 100 broadcasts acoordinated signal to attract wireless devices. In block 580, the INAC100 receives a location update and access request from wireless device20. In response, the INAC 100 broadcasts a targeted message to thewireless device 20 to step down its access technology. Processing of thedevice 20 then proceeds as shown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8D illustrates example method 600 in which a wireless device 20 isidle on one of multiple CDMA channels when the device 20 enters thelocal wireless network 10. In block 605, the INAC 100 broadcaststargeted message sets to CDMA devices 20 directing idle devices to tuneto a specified CDMA frequency. In block 610, the INAC 100 receives alocation update and access request, and locks the CDMA-based device 20to the INAC 100. In block 615, the INAC 100 determines an identity andcharacterization of the device 20. In block 620, the INAC 100 determinesif the device 20 is allowed. If the device 20 is allowed, then in block625, the INAC permits the device 20 to attempt to access the macrowireless network 70. However, if the device is not allowed, then inblock 630, the INAC 100 maintains the device 20 locked.

FIG. 8E illustrates example method 650 in which a device 20 operatesaccording to a specific access technology. In block 655, the INAC 100broadcasts a signal indicating that the specific access technology ofthe device 20 is not available in the local wireless network. In block660, the INAC 100 receives a location update (if not already received)and an access request from the device 20 for a second access technology.

FIG. 8F illustrates a method 700 for placing an emergency call. Method700 begins in block 705 when the INAC 100 receives an emergency callaccess request, for example, to place a 911 call, from a wireless devicethat is locked to the INAC 100. In block 710, the INAC 100 determines ifemergency call access is allowed. If emergency call access is notallowed, the method 700 moves to block 715 and the INAC 100 denies theemergency call access request. The INAC 100 may deny the request basedon a characterization of a specific wireless device. For example, theINAC 100 may deny an emergency call access request from a restrictedwireless device 20. Alternately, the INAC may deny all emergency callaccess requests. In block 710, if emergency calls are allowed, themethod 700 moves to block 725 and the INAC determines if the emergencycall access request will be processed on the INAC 100. If the requestwill not be processed on the INAC 100, the method 700 moves to block 730and the INAC 100 redirects the wireless device to the macro wirelessnetwork 70. If in block 725, the INAC 100 determines the request will beprocessed on the INAC 100, the method 700 moves to block 735. In block735, the INAC allows the wireless device 20 to place an emergency callto an emergency call center.

The preceding disclosure refers to flow charts and accompanyingdescription to illustrate the embodiments represented in FIGS. 7A-8F.The disclosed devices, components, and systems contemplate using orimplementing any suitable technique for performing the stepsillustrated. Thus, FIGS. 7A-8F are for illustration purposes only andthe described or similar steps may be performed at any appropriate time,including concurrently, individually, or in combination. In addition,many of the steps in the flow charts may take place simultaneouslyand/or in different orders than as shown and described. Moreover, thedisclosed systems may use processes and methods with additional, fewer,and/or different steps.

Embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in digital electroniccircuitry, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware, including theherein disclosed structures and their equivalents. Some embodiments canbe implemented as one or more computer programs, i.e., one or moremodules of computer program instructions, encoded on computer storagemedium for execution by one or more processors. A computer storagemedium can be, or can be included in, a computer-readable storagedevice, a computer-readable storage substrate, or a random or serialaccess memory. The computer storage medium can also be, or can beincluded in, one or more separate physical components or media such asmultiple CDs, disks, or other storage devices. The computer readablestorage medium does not include a transitory signal.

The herein disclosed methods can be implemented as operations performedby a processor on data stored on one or more computer-readable storagedevices or received from other sources.

A computer program (also known as a program, module, engine, software,software application, script, or code) can be written in any form ofprogramming language, including compiled or interpreted languages,declarative or procedural languages, and it can be deployed in any form,including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component,subroutine, object, or other unit suitable for use in a computingenvironment. A computer program may, but need not, correspond to a filein a file system. A program can be stored in a portion of a file thatholds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in amarkup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program inquestion, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store oneor more modules, sub-programs, or portions of code). A computer programcan be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computersthat are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites andinterconnected by a communication network.

We claim:
 1. A wireless communications system, comprising: aradiofrequency (RF) front end, comprising: a base station, an amplifierconnected to the base station, an RF distribution device connected tothe amplifier, and one or more antennas connected to the RF distributiondevices; and a computing platform comprising a processor and anon-transitory, computer-readable storage medium storing a program ofmachine instructions, wherein the processor executes the machineinstructions to: control the RF front end to receive from the RF frontend, location updates from wireless devices, determine a wireless accesstechnology of each wireless device, lock each wireless device to thesystem, determine an access category of each wireless device, releasefirst category wireless devices from the system lock, and maintain thesystem lock for second category wireless devices.
 2. The system of claim1, wherein the processor executes the machine instructions to controlthe RF front end to generate, as an overlay to a portion of an existingwireless network, a local wireless network having a coverage area and adefined geographical boundary, wherein the system lock prevents wirelesscommunications by the second category wireless devices on the existingwireless network, and wherein the processor controls the RF front end todirect the first category wireless devices to re-attempt access to theexisting wireless network.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the one ormore antennas comprise a plurality of directional antennas, and whereinthe processor controls the RF front end to generate the definedgeographical boundary as a portion of the coverage area of the localwireless network.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the processorexecutes the machine instructions to receive position information foreach wireless device, and wherein the processor releases from the systemlock, a second category wireless device moved outside the definedgeographical boundary of the local wireless network, comprising,redirecting the moved second category wireless device to attempt toregister with the existing wireless network.
 5. The system of claim 4,wherein the moved second category wireless device remains in thecoverage area of the local wireless network.
 6. The system of claim 2,wherein a wireless device is a multi-technology wireless device, andwherein the processor executes the machine instructions to maintain thesystem lock for all technologies of the multi-technology wirelessdevice.
 7. The system of claim 2, wherein a wireless device is amulti-technology wireless device, and wherein the processor executes themachine instructions to maintain the system lock for one technology ofthe multi-technology wireless device.
 8. The system of claim 2, whereina wireless device is a multi-technology wireless device, and wherein theprocessor executes the machine instructions to direct the wirelessdevice to execute a step down in wireless access technology to a lowerlevel wireless access technology, and wherein the processor locks thewireless device to the system.
 9. The system of claim 2, wherein awireless device is powered on and idle in the coverage area.
 10. Thesystem of claim 2, wherein the processor controls the RF front end toprovoke the location updates.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein theprocessor controls the RF front end to broadcast in the coverage area, apower signal greater than a corresponding power signal of the existingwireless network.
 12. The system of claim 10, wherein the processorcontrols the RF front end to generate and broadcast a mimicked signalthat follows signal patterns and parameters of the existing wirelessnetwork.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the mimicked signalcomprises attraction signals for multiple wireless technologies, andwherein the processor, in response to the mimicked signal: receives,through the RF front end, a registration request from the wirelessdevice; locks the wireless device to the system; identifies the wirelessdevice as one of allowed, restricted, and unknown; categorizes anallowed wireless devices as a first category wireless device; andcategorizes a restricted wireless device and an unknow wireless deviceas second category wireless devices.
 14. A computer-implemented wirelesscommunications control method, comprising; a processor controls a radiofrequency (RF) front end to: establish a local wireless network having amulti-wireless technology coverage area as an overlay to a portion of anexisting wireless network, generate a defined geographical boundary of apart of the coverage area, and receive location updates from wirelessdevices operating within the defined geographical boundary of thecoverage area; and the processor: locks each wireless device to thelocal wireless network, determines an access category of each wirelessdevice, releases first category wireless devices from the lock, andmaintain the lock for second category wireless devices.
 15. The methodof claim 14, wherein processor controls the RF front end to generate thedefined geographical boundary as a portion of the coverage area.
 16. Themethod of claim 14, wherein the processor controls the RF front end toprovoke the location updates.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein theprocessor controls the RF front end to broadcast in the coverage area, apower signal greater than a corresponding power signal of the existingwireless network.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the processorcontrols the RF front end to generate and broadcast a mimicked signalthat follows signal patterns and parameters of the existing wirelessnetwork.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the mimicked signalcomprises attraction signals for multiple wireless technologies, andwherein the processor, in a response to the mimicked signal: receives,through the RF front end, a registration request from the wirelessdevice; locks the wireless device to the local wireless network;identifies the wireless device as one of allowed, restricted, andunknown; categorizes an allowed wireless devices as a first categorywireless device; and categorizes a restricted wireless device and anunknow wireless devices as second category wireless devices.
 20. Themethod of claim 14, further comprising the processor: determinesgeographical locations of wireless devices providing location updatedata; and compares the location update data to the latitude andlongitude of the defined geographical boundary to determine a wirelessdevice is within the defined geographical boundary of the coverage area.